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Why Small Towns Should Invest in Strong Towns Membership—and Use the Financial Decoder to Lead the Way
- Erika Willitzer
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
In the face of mounting infrastructure costs, shrinking tax bases, and unpredictable economic shifts, small towns across America are searching for tools that offer clarity, strategy, and hope. Enter the Strong Towns Financial Decoder—a free, powerful resource designed to help communities understand their fiscal health and chart a path toward long-term resilience.
But the Decoder is just the beginning. By becoming a Strong Towns member, small towns gain access to a movement, a network, and a toolkit that can transform how they grow, spend, and thrive.
Here is a completed example from Kansas:
🧩 What Is the Financial Decoder?
The Financial Decoder is a downloadable spreadsheet tool that analyzes a town’s financial statements using three key indicators:
Sustainability: Can the town maintain its current services without raising taxes or taking on more debt?
Flexibility: How well can the town respond to economic changes or emergencies?
Vulnerability: How dependent is the town on outside funding like state or federal grants?
With just a few inputs, the Decoder generates seven charts that reveal trends often hidden in traditional budget reports. It’s designed for non-accountants—mayors, council members, and engaged citizens—who want to make informed decisions without needing a finance degree.
🏘️ Why It’s a Game-Changer for Small Towns
Small towns face unique challenges: limited staff, aging infrastructure, and development patterns that often cost more to maintain than they generate in revenue. The Financial Decoder helps these communities:
Spot fiscal red flags early before they become crises
Prioritize investments that offer long-term value
Translate complex data into plain language for public meetings
Empower local leaders to challenge unsustainable practices
As Strong Towns puts it, “We need to stop building for short-term wins and start planning for long-term strength.” The Decoder is the first step in that journey.
🤝 Why Membership Matters
While the Decoder is free, Strong Towns membership unlocks a deeper level of support and connection:
Weekly “Ask Strong Towns Anything” calls with experts like Chuck Marohn
Invitations to local meetups and national gatherings
Coaching calls with technical advisors
Access to exclusive webinars, book clubs, and online courses
Priority support for speaker requests and reform efforts
Membership is open to anyone, with no minimum donation required. It’s not just a subscription—it’s a commitment to building places that are safe, livable, and financially strong.
🌱 A Bottom-Up Revolution
Strong Towns isn’t just a nonprofit—it’s a movement. By equipping small towns with tools like the Financial Decoder and fostering a community of changemakers through membership, it’s helping reshape the future of local governance. Whether you're a city planner, a concerned resident, or a local official, this is your invitation to join the revolution.
Let’s build towns that don’t just survive—but thrive.
This city is already doing the math and seeing the results from the Decoder:
Read the full story HERE.
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